Shri Ganapati and Murugan Temple is situated five miles from the commercial town of Margao and stands at the unobtrusive spot in Rawanfond . This temple was inaugurated on 8th February 1971, . From a mere thatched shelter ,it has grown into a sprawling temple complex. This unique place of worship attracts hundreds of devotees around Goa and outside Goa .The simple faith of people has attributed immeasurable miracles to the twin deities and the speedy growth of the temple is a testimony to this attribution.
The Ganapati and Murugan Temple also known as houses of “Navgraha” Temple , the only one of its kind in Goa. The temple is the only one which is built up in Goa . The credit for creating this centre of light, force soulful inspiration and cultural integration goes to Smt. Annapoorni Aiyar (Amma) .The Ganapati-Murugan Temple, a centre of solace and spiritual sustenance to the people of Goa today is a strange and welcome meeting point of Southern India and Goa.
Ganesha of Divine wisdom, always the first to be worshipped, the remover of obstacles, the scribe of the Mahabharata is the patron deity of Goa and Maharashtra . Murugan, popularly known as Karthikeya, Kumara, Skanda or Subramanya, the “War-God” of the Divine Warrier, conqueror of evil is the patron deity of the Tamils form an ancient times. Ganpati and Murugan are the sons of Lord Shankar and Parvati .
Smt. Annapoorni Aiyar (Amma) , this Frail old Lady of 88 concealed an immense reservoir of energy, Zeal, Strength and drive. Her inspiring life of sacrifice and service in Goa goes back 85 years when she arrived here with her husband who was in the mining business. Smt. Annapoorni Aiyar (Amma) constantly medicated on Murgan her “Ishta Devata” or the form she adored the lord in. She prayed to him for endurance and courage in her troubled times. In a vision , he directed her to produce “Vibhuti” or ash from Kumaraswami Temple of Sandur District in Karnataka , which is reputed to be processing miraculous and curative powers to people who may be suffering. Smt. Annapoorni Aiyar (Amma) has faces many problems in life, it was her a period of test only to reinforce her faith. She was the only sole earning member of the family asa amid-wfe and the strange vocation of dispensing the miraculous vibhuti to the sick and needy ones.
With no concern for her own comfort or even the well-being of her own family, she sought to alleviate the discomforts of pilgrims at Damodar Temple, Zambaulim and Chandreshwar Bhootnath Temple, Paroda. She took upon herself the task of carrying the precious and most essential commodity to travellers, water over several yards to hundreds of pilgrims. It was this self chosen discipline which made her well known in South Goa and gave her the acquaintance she would subsequently drawn upon for her temple project.
She was distraught as per promised done to her “Ishta Devata- Murugan” that she could not offer back the share of money to his beloved Murugan for whom she consider as equal partner in all travails and comforts of life. It was then about fifty years back when she has a dream where her chosen Master Murugan appeared before her and asked her to raised the temple in his name. She was indeed mystified , that “Was her Murugan playing a cruel game? When she has not enough for herself nor even have a shelter for her and her family too. And how could she ask for a temple which would cost her so much money?” Then she went to Damodar Temple, Zambalim for “Prasad” or spirtual sanction and was surprised to encounter a positive answer.
Amma faith and so much efforts to the Lord himself and strengthen then remarkable power that she attritbutes the great complex that stands today . She managed to purchase a small piece of Land at Rawanfond. By carrying a Umbrella and bag and of course the presence of the lord with her , she walked house to houses, streets, towns like a true Karma Yogi – one who surrender the fruits of his work to the Lord . After lotsm of her efforts finally her dreams come true, the temple was inaugurated on 8th February 1971 . She has felt that atleast she repaid for what she was chosen for by Murugan and his brother Ganapti.
Later , Smt. Annapoorni Aiyar (Amma), has Indian traditional embarked the completing of temple Shankara -parvati temple. The Shiv-Shakti ,Purush-Prakatti theme is the fundamrentels creation priciple of the Hindu faith.
The people of Goa as well part of India are together celebrating festivals or participating in various events by visiting the Shri Ganapati and Murugan Temple .
By Late: MS. Lata Iyer
Aurobindo Ashram
Pondicherry
